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Toronto (December 19, 2023) – According to just-published information from the Toronto Police Service, incidents targeting the city’s Jewish community have nearly doubled so far this year, compared to the same period in 2022.

Of the 338 hate-motivated incidents reported between Jan. 1 and Dec. 17, 147 were against the Jewish community – up from 81 antisemitic incidents reported during the same period last year. That represents an increase of more than 81 per cent and more than 43 per cent of all reported hate crimes.

Between Oct. 7 and Dec. 17, 56 of the 98 hate crimes reported were antisemitic.

“The trajectory of antisemitism in Toronto is extremely alarming and should concern everyone in this city,” said Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) President and CEO Michael Levitt. “Since Oct. 7, the Jewish community has seen an unprecedented spike in hate incidents, which are completely unjustifiable and have no place in Toronto or anywhere else in Canada. This comes at a time when Jews across the country have witnessed a series of vile antisemitic attacks, including against synagogues, community centres, schools and Jewish-owned businesses. Our law enforcement and government officials must apply all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of the community, especially during this time of increased threats. We urge everyone to be vigilant and stand up against hate whenever and wherever it appears.”